In his khutbah of 19 April 2024, Ayberk Efendi offered a clear map for anyone on the Sufi path: before taking any step, pause, examine your intention and seek counsel from those whose integrity is confirmed by God. The Qur’an itself is an ever‑present guide, conveying warnings, advice and examples through the prophets, the companions and its own verses. No one can claim ignorance of this guidance, and whoever hears it without acting on it bears responsibility.
Turning Inward Before Looking Outward
Every decision begins with sincere self‑examination. When a doubt arises (should I do this or not?), the first question is directed inward: is my intention truly aligned with the truth? If uncertainty remains, it often signals that the nafs (ego) is influencing the heart. Persisting in choices driven only by personal desire can lead to spiritual negligence and, in the end, to accountability before Allah on the Day of Judgement.
The Qur’anic Call to Be Among the Truthful
The khutbah returned again and again to the Qur’anic command to be among the truthful and the steadfast. In the company of sincere believers, people of truth and loyalty, we gain ears that hear what is right and eyes that recognise what is false. Keeping company with the misguided clouds our perception: what we hear becomes distorted, and we risk repeating mistakes.
Consulting the Trustworthy (el‑emin)
When self‑examination brings no clarity, Ayberk Efendi advised turning to a trustworthy guide, in classical terms the el‑emin. This is not just anyone with an opinion, but someone whose integrity has been confirmed by divine signs and who stands firmly within the prophetic lineage. In practice this may be a Sheikh, a learned scholar or a senior member of our community who lives by Qur’anic principles.
The process has three simple steps:
- Name the uncertainty: state clearly the decision you face.
- Seek counsel from an el‑emin: approach a trusted spiritual guide and present the matter honestly.
- Listen and reflect: weigh the guidance against the teachings of the Qur’an and your sincere intention.
For a true murid (disciple), Ayberk Efendi stressed, this consultation is not optional. Saying “I do not need a guide” while ignoring the signs of doubt places one outside the protection of the tariqa.
Ultimate Accountability
Every choice, whether made alone or under guidance, carries weight before Allah. Ayberk Efendi illustrated this with examples from the time of the Prophet: companions who ignored the call to defend the community were criticised, while those who obeyed showed steadfastness and later received divine forgiveness. The Qur’an leaves no excuse: we have been warned through revelation, the prophets and the living example of the righteous, so each of us must answer for our actions.
If you wish to deepen your practice, join our live meetings, where seekers gather under qualified guides to ask questions, receive counsel and strengthen their connection to the Divine. May our hearts remain open to truth, and may we walk the straight path together.
